Scott on Bill to Expand MI Energy Assistance Program Voted Out of Committee
State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) chairs the House Energy, Communications, and Technology committee on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at the Anderson House Office Building in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., Nov. 14, 2024 — The House Energy, Communications, and Technology committee voted out House Bill 6075, sponsored by state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), yesterday. Under this legislation, the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) will offer an improved range of support services to help families and individuals manage their energy expenses. [...]
House Detroit Caucus Pay Tribute to Former Detroit State Rep. Edward Vaughn Civil Rights Icon, Dies at 90
DETROIT, Mich., Oct. 10, 2024 — Former state Rep. Edward “Ed” Vaughn died at the age of 90 in Detroit this week. Vaughn served in the House of Representatives from Jan. 10, 1979, to Dec. 31, 1980. In 1994, he won another election to the state House and represented the then 4th House District from Jan. 11, 1995, until reaching term limits, Dec. 31, 2000. In response to the news of his passing, various House Detroit Caucus Members, paid their respects. [...]
Michigan House Democrats Travel to Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Legislators share Michigan’s story on the road with fellow Black lawmakers and leaders from across the U.S. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 11, 2024 — Several Michigan House Democrats will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus’s (CBC) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 11-15. This year’s conference theme, “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” gives House Democrats a chance to highlight the work of putting people first in Michigan. “Michigan’s voice on the national stage is one [...]
Scott on Final Budget Passage
Lawmaker highlights housing, public safety State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) speaks on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2024 — The Michigan Legislature passed the final state budget for the 2025 fiscal year ahead of the legally required July 1 deadline. Democratic leaders crafted a budget focused on strategic, targeted investments that improve the lives of people and hometowns across Michigan without raising taxes. After the vote, state Helena Scott (D-Detroit) [...]
Bills Protecting Children from Criminal Sexual Conduct Pass the House
LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2024 — Important first steps in the fight to stop pedophiles and serial sexual predators, and the institutions that protect them, passed the House Wednesday evening Studies have shown that it often takes decades for a childhood survivor of criminal sexual assault to disclose their abuse. Due to Michigan’s worst-in-the-nation statute of limitations (SOL) and other laws that shield pedophiles and predators from being held accountable for their crimes, many survivors are unable to access the [...]
House Dems Bring Dollars Home for Teachers
State Rep. Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township) speaks in support of the Budget on May 8, 2024, on the House Floor of the Michigan Capitol in Lansing. LANSING, Mich., June 6, 2024 — The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced today the recipients of the Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE grants for school districts to financially assist students interested in educational careers. In light of the ongoing teacher shortage, House Dems allocated almost $750,000 to local schools to pay for [...]
House Passes Bill Recognizing May 2 as Negro Leagues Day in Michigan
Scott celebrates Michigan’s Negro Baseball League Players, including her uncle LANSING, Mich., April 27, 2024 — Lawmakers passed House Bill 4519 to recognize May 2 as Negro Leagues Day in Michigan. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) shines light on the Negro Baseball Leagues, including the Detroit Stars, one of eight founding teams of the Negro Leagues, quickly established as one of the league’s best. The Negro team finished behind the Chicago American Giants during the inaugural 1920 season, solidifying the [...]
STATEMENT: Scott Praises People-First Focus in House Budget
Schools, communities and locally-focused investments highlight the Dems budget State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) introducing a resolution on the House floor for Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, April 23, 2024. LANSING, Mich., May 9, 2024 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed its version of the fiscal 2024-25 budget today. It includes substantial investments at the local level in making a difference for Michiganders across the state. House Democrats continue backing up their promises to invest in communities across [...]
Detroit Caucus Members Celebrate the ‘Touchdown’ of the NFL Draft in Detroit
DETROIT, Mich., April 29, 2024 — The NFL Draft ‘touched down’ in Detroit with an overwhelming and unprecedented response. Thursday night, media outlets reported a record 275,000 people descended into Detroit for the festivities. By Sunday, Detroit broke the record with over 775,000 people at the draft, beating Nashville, TN’s attendance record of 600,000 set in 2019. “Listen, I’m proud as a Detroiter, as a state legislator, and as a Michigander — all eyes have been on Detroit for the [...]
Progressive Women’s Caucus Introduces Pay Equity Package
Bills put all people first with equal pay, equal opportunities, transparency LANSING, Mich., March 19, 2024 — National Equal Pay Day has come and gone this year, and still the pay gap remains. As a way to diminish this inequality, to address issues of transparency and continue to demand equal rights, the bicameral Progressive Women’s Caucus (PWC) introduced a pay equity bill package, House Bills 5618-27. The majority of this package was introduced today, however, HBs 4405 and 4406 [...]
Democrats Deliver New Laws for Cleaner Energy and Jobs
Bills taking effect will protect the environment, power the economy, lower costs for customers LANSING, Mich., Feb. 11, 2024 — For the first time in 40 years, Democrats gained control of the Legislature and the governor’s office last year. With its majority, the party that puts people first had a remarkably productive year that resulted in a historic number of bills passed and signed into law. Today, Michigan House Democrats celebrate Day 8 of the Countdown to a Better Michigan [...]
Scott on State of the State Address, Uplifting Michiganders, Putting People First
State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) and guest, Raylon Leaks-May, City of Ferndale Mayor, listen to Gov. Whitmer’s State of the State Address on the House Floor. LANSING, Mich., Jan. 24, 2024 — Before a joint legislative session today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered this year’s State of the State address. In her speech, the governor outlined her priorities to continue uplifting Michiganders at every stage of life, which includes improving Michigan’s education system, growing our population and protecting people's hard-earned [...]
Dems Speak on Legislation to Increase Dependability, Resiliency in Michigan’s Energy Grid
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 8, 2023 — The newly introduced Putting People First Energy legislation, House Bills 5216, 5218, 5220 and 5221, was brought to the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee today. State Reps. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), chair of the committee and chair of the bipartisan Energy Reliability, Resilience and Accountability (ERRA) Task Force, Jenn Hill (D-Marquette) and Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph) held a press conference afterward to further discuss the bill package, which aims to ensure energy in the [...]
Michigan House Democrats Travel to Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Legislators hit the road to share Michigan’s story with fellow Black lawmakers and leaders from across the U.S. LANSING, Mich., Sept. 20, 2023 — Several Michigan House Democrats will travel to Washington, D.C., to attend the Congressional Black Caucus’s 52nd Annual Legislative Conference from Sept. 20-24. While there, House Democrats expect to discuss the historic significance of this moment of what can be done with a Democratic trifecta, showing the nation how real trailblazers make real change for real people [...]
Skaggs, Scott Introduce Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
LANSING, Mich., Sept. 8, 2023 – State Reps. Phil Skaggs (D-East Grand Rapids) and Helena Scott (D-Detroit) have introduced House Bills 4932 and 4962 which aim to bolster Michigan’s child labor laws. The legislation increases penalties against companies that unethically exploit and abuse young people in unsafe working environments. “Now that Michigan kids are back in school, we are reminded how incredibly necessary it is that we do all we can to put them in the best position to succeed,” Skaggs said. “While having [...]
House Democrats Highlight Energy, Environmental Policies
Legislators prepared to meet, go beyond ‘What’s Next’ agenda LANSING, Mich., Sept. 1, 2023 — In her “What’s Next Address” this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer laid out policy goals in several areas, including clean energy and environmental protection. Members of the House Democratic Caucus have already been working in these areas and are ready to push their sustainability agenda forward as legislative session resumes. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer details her environmental priorities during the "What's Next Address" on Wednesday, Aug. [...]
State Legislators Hold Community Listening Forum to Strengthen Energy Infrastructure in Michigan
MARQUETTE, July 14, 2023 — State Reps. Jenn Hill (D-Marquette), Abraham Aiyash, (D-Hamtramck), John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) and Helena Scott (D-Detroit), chair of the House Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee, held an event as part of the Energy Reliability, Resilience and Accountability Task Force Listening Tour. Speaker of the House Joe Tate (D-Detroit) also joined the event with opening remarks. “Our U.P. communities have unique needs when it comes to energy, so I am very glad we held a forum to hear from Yoopers [...]
Detroit Caucus Delivers Transformative Investments for City
Legislators tout benefits for Detroiters in 2023-24 budget LANSING, Mich., June 28, 2023 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed the state’s fiscal 2023-24 budget today. This is the first budget in 40 years crafted by a Democratic trifecta — it reflects Michigan’s values by making the largest investment in education in the state’s history, including free breakfast and lunch for every student and affordable pre-K, as well as substantial investments in workforce recruitment and retention, water infrastructure, and public [...]
Scott Advocates to Make Juneteenth a State-Recognized Holiday
LANSING, Mich., June 7, 2023 — The House Government Operations Committee met today, and state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) gave testimony on her bill, House Bill 4457, which would establish Juneteenth, or June 19, as a state-recognized holiday. The bill will bring Juneteenth on par with other state and federal holidays as a bank and judicial holiday in Michigan. After giving her testimony, Scott issued the following statement: “Designating Juneteenth as an official state-recognized holiday in Michigan honors those [...]
Scott Announces Bipartisan Task Force and Listening Tour to Bring Dependable Energy to Michigan
LANSING, MAY 18, 2023 — State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), chair of the Energy, Communications, and Technology Committee, held a press conference today announcing details of the Energy Reliability, Resilience and Accountability Task Force and the corresponding Dependable Energy Listening Tour. The bipartisan task force and listening tour have been created to collect data, information, and resident and business owner experiences regarding the large-scale, prolonged power outages that occurred earlier this year after severe storms. “Tackling energy issues facing [...]
Rogers, Scott Introduce Legislation to Require Fall Prevention Training for Certain Nursing Home Employees
LANSING, Mich., May 4, 2023 — State Reps. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and Helena Scott (D-Detroit) introduced House Bills 4517 and 4518, respectively. The two-bill package would establish a fall prevention training program for unlicensed personnel working in nursing homes and ensure that employees are compensated for their time in training. The bills were introduced with bipartisan support and referred to the House Committee on Health Policy. “As a physical therapist, I have, unfortunately, treated my fair share of fall-related accidents, and it is [...]
Scott Announces Committee Hearing in Response to Massive Power Outages
Chair of Energy Committee will ask utility companies, MPSC to testify DETROIT, March 7, 2023 — Following severe storm systems that wreaked havoc through Michigan over the past few weeks, hundreds of thousands of Michigan households and businesses lost power. Detroit area utilities DTE and Consumers Energy are among those under criticism over the power outages that occurred at the end of February and start of March. With increases in extreme weather events, many have called on leadership at the [...]
Scott Calls for Public Safety, Accountability During Aftermath of Michigan Storms
DETROIT, Mich., Feb. 27, 2023 — More than 600,000 customers of Detroit-based DTE Energy lost power when the ice storm hit the state last Wednesday, Feb. 22. Due to the high volume of outages, continued rains and high winds, thousands of households and businesses remain without power. With an increase in extreme weather storms, many have called on leadership at DTE and Consumers Energy to better prepare to act quickly during severe climate events. State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) — [...]
Scott on Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2023 — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the State of the State address tonight before a joint session of the Legislature at the Capitol in Lansing. In the speech, the governor discussed her legislative agenda for the new term, which includes bolstering the economy, increasing public safety, lowering costs for families, protecting fundamental rights, supporting Michigan workers, investing in early childhood education, and attracting talent to Michigan. State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued the following statement on [...]
Speaker-elect Tate Announces House Leadership Team
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 15, 2022 — Today, Speaker-elect of the House of Representatives Joe Tate (D-Detroit) announced the members of the House of Representatives leadership team for the 102nd legislature. Likewise, Majority Floor Leader-elect Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) announced the Assistant Majority Floor Leaders for the upcoming legislative session. “This is the team that will bring forth the work of the people. It’s a phenomenally talented group of Representatives and Representatives-elect with an unmatched work ethic,” Tate said. “The people of [...]
Michigan Legislative Care Caucus on Auto No-Fault Ruling
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 30, 2022 — The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled last week that the 2019 changes to personal injury auto insurance coverage do not apply retroactively to survivors who were injured before the law went into effect. A report earlier this month by the Michigan Public Health Institute documented that 6,857 survivors lost care and 4,082 care workers lost their jobs due to the changes. Many care providers have already been forced to shut down, and the Coalition [...]
Scott on Lansing Majority’s Extended Summer Break
LANSING, Mich., Aug. 18, 2022 — Members of the House Democratic Caucus held a press conference yesterday to denounce the lack of legislative session while Michiganders are paying the salaries of their representatives to tackle the issues affecting them. From high prices on gas and groceries to the threat of reproductive health care being taken away, Democrats have legislation ready to move, but Lansing Republicans who set the calendar won’t come back to work from their summer vacation. After the [...]
Michigan Legislative Care Caucus Supports Nursing Home Workers Fighting for Fair Workplace Practices
LANSING, Mich., July 6, 2022 — The Michigan Legislative Care Caucus, chaired by state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) and co-chaired by state Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy), has issued the following statement regarding the SKLD Bloomfield Hills nursing home workers strike: “The mission of the Michigan Legislative Care Caucus is to support those providing and receiving long-term care in Michigan and to strengthen the long-term care infrastructure in our state. We strive toward facilitating the highest quality of care for vulnerable [...]
Scott Applauds Passage of State Budget
LANSING, Mich., July 1, 2022 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed a budget that includes significant investments in education, local government services and the economy. Specifically, the budget includes $100 million for the Detroit Center for Innovation, $75 million in blight grants and funds to support community-oriented policing. State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued the following statement on the budget: “I’m proud to support a budget that makes common-sense investments in our community. This funding promises to foster economic [...]
House Republicans Squash Democratic Attempts to Repeal 1931 Abortion Ban and Pass Reproductive Health Act
Move comes in first day of House session since SCOTUS Dobbs decision LANSING, Mich., June 30, 2022 — House Democrats moved to bring a bill to the floor, via a discharge motion, that would repeal the 1931 near-total ban on abortion that remains the state-level law. Republicans in the House voted against the discharge to keep the law from being repealed. Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Hornberger (R-Chesterfield Township) today refused considerations to repeal the 1931 ban while she presided [...]
Rogers, Scott Introduce Legislation to Require Fall Prevention Training for Certain Nursing Home Employees
LANSING, Mich., May 31, 2022 – State Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) and state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) recently introduced House Bill 6146 and House Bill 6147. The two-bill package would establish a fall prevention training program for unlicensed personnel working in nursing homes and ensure that employees are compensated for their time in training. The bills were introduced with bipartisan support and referred to the House Committee on Health Policy. “As a physical therapist, unfortunately, I have treated [...]
Scott on Infrastructure Grant Awarded to Highland Park
LANSING, Mich., May 13, 2022 — On Wednesday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that a total of $3 million in infrastructure and public safety grants have been awarded to 11 municipalities as part of Economic Development Week. The Highland Park Recreation Center, which provides COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and programs for seniors, youth, and adults, among other community-oriented services, will receive nearly $120,000 for a new generator. State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued a statement applauding the investment: “I’m very pleased to see [...]
Scott on Governor Whitmer’s State of the State Address
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 26, 2022 — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her fourth State of the State address from Detroit Diesel. Her remarks highlighted her proposals to cut taxes, invest in infrastructure and offer financial relief to seniors. State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued a statement in support of the governor’s priorities: “Gov. Whitmer understands what the people of Michigan want and what it takes to get it done. I applaud her efforts to rebuild our bridges, replace miles and [...]
Scott on General Motors’ Announcement, Bringing 4,000 New Jobs to Michigan
LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25, 2022 — Today, General Motors announced a $7 billion investment in electric vehicle manufacturing in Michigan, including the construction of a new electric vehicle battery plant in Delta Township and a $4 billion investment in its Orion assembly plant that will together create 4,000 jobs. Both projects are part of GM’s effort to shift to 100% electric vehicle production by 2035. State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued a statement celebrating the news: “I am so pleased [...]
Scott Condemns Passage of Bill Banning Teaching of Racial Injustice in Public Schools
LANSING, Mich., Nov. 4, 2021 — The Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5097, a bill banning the teaching of racial injustice in public schools. State Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued the following statement condemning the passage of the legislation: “Let’s be clear: Critical race theory is an academic concept that is taught in universities at the graduate level. Michigan’s educators do not teach this subject at the K-12 level. What the Republicans’ bill does is remove your child’s [...]
Democrats Condemn Disenfranchisement Legislation
Bills will infringe on Michiganders’ constitutional freedom to vote LANSING, Mich., Oct. 14, 2021 — House Democrats spoke out today against a package of bills that will create barriers to voting. Senate Bills 303 and 304, and House Bill 5007 alter Michigan’s current voter ID statute and could lead to tens of thousands of Michiganders who follow the law being denied their freedom to vote. “Contrary to what you might have heard, Michigan has a voter ID law, and it [...]
Scott on MI Clean Water Plan Grant for Highland Park
DETROIT, Mich., Aug. 10, 2021 — Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Witmer announced more than $2 million in grants were awarded under the MI Clean Water Plan for 15 Michigan cities, villages and townships. This includes $120,000 awarded to the city of Highland Park to assist in planning and rate studies. In response, state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit) issued the following statement: "In the past several weeks, we have experienced severe and intense flooding that has laid bare the desperate need for [...]
Detroit Caucus stands in solidarity with striking Teamsters Local 337
DETROIT, Mich., March 22, 2021 — Employees of Redford’s 7-Up Dr. Pepper (KDP) distribution center and members of Teamsters Local 337 have recently gone on strike in pursuit of better wages, treatment, and working conditions. On the picket line last week, unfair and racist intimidation tactics were reportedly levied against striking workers. In solidarity with the striking workers, the members of the Detroit Caucus Executive Committee released the following statement: “The reports we have heard about the racist intimidation tactics [...]
Detroit Caucus: Our Schools Can’t Wait
LANSING, Mich., March 9, 2021 — The Michigan House approved supplemental appropriation bills last week that left $2 billion of federal COVID-19 recovery dollars in Washington, D.C. In response, the Detroit Caucus Executive Committee issued the following statement: “Our schools need this funding to update their HVAC and ventilation systems, purchase PPE and other supplies like laptops for staff and students. Moreover, they can’t even begin to start their planning process until they know how much funding and support they are [...]